A sound card is a hardware component that enables computers to produce and process audio. It handles audio output, input, and processing, making it crucial for tasks like listening to music, recording audio, and gaming. There are integrated sound cards on many computers, but dedicated or external sound cards offer enhanced audio quality and features for professionals and enthusiasts.
The sound card converts digital audio signals into signals that can be played through speakers or headphones.
Speakers
Speakers are external devices designed to produce sound and audio that can be shared with others in a room or environment.
High-quality speakers can offer rich, room-filling sound and can provide better bass response, making them suitable for a home entertainment system or listening to music in a group.
They are commonly used in home theaters, living rooms, and event spaces.
speaker
Headphones
Headphones and earphones are personal audio output devices worn on or in the ears, providing audio directly to the individual user.
Headphones offer privacy and isolation, allowing the user to enjoy audio content without disturbing others and without being disturbed by external sounds.
Headphones are highly portable and suitable for on-the-go listening. They are commonly used for personal music enjoyment during commutes, exercise, or travel.
Some headphones offer active noise cancellation (ANC) features, reducing or eliminating background noise to enhance the listening experience.
Headphones are often used for listening.
How audio output devices work
An electrical audio signal, typically generated by an amplifier, is fed into the speaker.
When the audio signal is applied to the voice coil, it creates a fluctuating magnetic field around the coil.
The interaction between the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and the changing magnetic field caused by the voice coil's electrical current results in a force that pushes or pulls the voice coil. This force causes the diaphragm to move in response to the variations in the electrical audio signal.
As the diaphragm moves back and forth, it compresses and rarefies the air in front of it. This motion generates pressure waves in the surrounding air, which we perceive as sound. The frequency and amplitude of the audio signal determine the pitch and volume of the sound produced by the device.
The sound waves created by the diaphragm radiate into the space where the device is placed, allowing us to hear the audio content.
What happens when an electrical current flows through the speaker's voice coil?
